Leidos supports Larger Than Life in opening schools for pediatric cancer patients in Israel
Larger Than Life is an Israeli charity created in 2000 by a small group of parents of children with pediatric cancer. From its humble roots, the organization has grown exponentially since and has diversified from a small support group to a multifaceted force for good. Today, it offers a wide variety of programs aimed at easing financial, emotional, and logistical burdens for patients and their families. Their vision is “to improve the quality of life and well-being of children with cancer and their families, all over Israel, regardless of religion, gender, or nationality.”
One of the organization’s leading projects, the "Kindergarten of Dreams”, is not just another kindergarten. It is the only educational system in the world that serves preschoolers who are dealing with cancer. Because of a weak immune system and the special needs that arise from their medical conditions, these children require sterile conditions and an attentive staff to various medical limitations. The first “Kindergarten of Dreams”, established in 2014 in Kfar Azar near Tel Aviv, attracted children from all over the country and was the only school in the world that sick and recovering children could attend safely. The rehabilitative structure has helped these children develop physically and emotionally while enjoying a happy childhood like any other child.
Larger Than Life’s goal is to establish a network of such kindergartens, in order to make the program accessible for every child who needs it, no matter where they may be located in Israel. "Shulamit House", the second Kindergarten of Dreams, is currently opening in Be'er Sheva, blocks away from Leidos Israel headquarters.
Leidos Israel has a long relationship with Larger Than Life, and was happy to make a donation to the new kindergarten, hoping that the proximity to the kindergarten will strengthen the relationship and bring new opportunities to volunteer and support this amazing initiative.